The Brain-Based Approach to Peace

1. Behavior is linked to brain functioning

How we perceive, and respond to, the environment is governed by the brain:

Whether a situation is seen as threatening or safe depends on the degree of excitation of the amygdala, or “fear center.”

The ability to control impulsive, violent behavior depends on the development of the prefrontal cortex—the “higher brain”—which governs higher executive functioning, such as impulse control, judgment, decision-making, and moral reasoning.